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Dubai has transformed itself from a barely inhabited desert to a top tourist destination. While the sun and the sea attract well heeled travelers looking for a chance to grill on the beach, the city has a number of exciting outdoor activities that are quite unique to the region. From camel riding to hot air ballooning, sand skiing to falconry, here are some thrilling options for the more actively inclined.

Desert Safari

This is an action packed adventure that includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand skiing and a number of other activities in one evening. As the name suggests, dune bashing is just that. Expect an adrenaline packed ride where your 4x4 crashes through dunes and kicks up a storm of sand around you. If you’re attempting your first camel ride, here’s a tip that’ll come in handy. Fight tooth and nail for the seat at the back. It’s far more comfortable and there’s a much lesser chance of falling off from here. Sand skiing is a new rage in Dubai. You basically get to the top of a dune and ‘ski’ down the dune. If you love skiing the traditional way, i.e. on snow, you’ll find this a pretty unique way of enjoying your favourite sport all year round. (More)

Iconic, ostentatious, innovative, outrageous… love it or hate it, Dubai’s real estate developments have put the city on the world map. It’s estimated that 25% of the world’s cranes can be found in Dubai. A mere 20 years ago, this was a little known desert town - its centre marked by four buildings. Now, this buzzing city has been dubbed by a number of lofty nicknames- ‘Vegas on the Gulf’, ‘City of Gold’, ‘The Desert Miracle’ to name a few. While the economic downturn has caused a slowdown in its building frenzy, parts of the city still look like a massive construction site. This article takes a look at some of the most famous real estate developments in Dubai. (More)

Foire du Trone, Paris, France
Date to be confirmed
The Foire du Trone is one of the largest country fairs in France and
attracts over five million visitors each year. It has become one of the
biggest fairs in the French calendar. It combines a modern day
amusement park with charming entertainment from the past. Expect
acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and roller coasters at this fun packed,
family oriented fair. (More)

Planning a winter break? Here are some gadgets that’ll make your trip a lot more comfortable and fun.

Sno-Baller
This is the easiest way to make up to 60 perfect snowballs per minute! With long handles, you’ll never have to worry about wet gloves and frozen fingers. And since Sno-Baller snowballs disintegrate on contact, they don’t hurt like ordinary hand packed snowballs. http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

DOTS gloves
Don’t you hate it when you have to take off your gloves every time your i-phone rings? Fret no more. DOTS gloves are the perfect solution. They have a couple of little balls on the fingertips that let you use your gadgets without freezing your fingers or forcing you to take off your gloves. Only $15 - $20.http://www.dotsgloves.com

Heated socks
Stay warm and comfy with battery powered heated socks. HEAT SOX are knitted with a combination of Thermastat, high quality wool, nylon and acrylic yarns that form a very soft, yet extremely warm and truly comfortable fitting sock. It also comes with a battery pack and an embedded coil element that generates safe heat to keep your feet warm and comfortable, even on the coldest days. http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

Boot, glove and skate dryers
Feeling damp and soggy after a day out in the snow? The Dry Fast is a portable footwear & garment dryer that allows you to dry footwear and garments anywhere. http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

Bench warmer
Never sit on a cold seat again with Bench Warmer. This heated seat is operated by a rechargeable battery and makes sure you keep your tush warm. It’s comfortable, portable, lightweight and water resistant. http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

Make your own snow
And for those who’d like to make their snow, the SnoWonder is for you. SnoWonder looks and feels like natural snow. In fact, if you pour a bowl of it on real snow, you won't even be able to tell the difference!http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

Shoe, boot warmers
Keep those cold feet warm all winter with boot warmers. These battery operated warmers come in a one size fits all deal. All you need to do is slip it into your sole and say goodbye to cold feet. http://www.vacationgadgets.com/productmgmt/

g.cell gloves
Bluetooth technology has been finding its way into ski gear for a while now. The latest is the g.cell gloves. When it detects an incoming call, it gives your wrist a shake and enables you to quite literally talk to the hand. It’s a bit pricey but your hands will feel snug all through your call.http://www.swanyamerica.com/

As another year comes to an end, let’s take a look at how people from around the world celebrate the New Year.

England

In England, crowds gather in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus waiting to hear the chimes of London's Big Ben, which announces the arrival of the New Year. People link arms and there is usually a rendering of "Auld Lang Syne." The custom of "first-footing" is important. To ensure good luck for the inhabitants of a house, the first person to enter on New Year's Day should be male, young, healthy and good-looking. (More)

Christmas is a time for getting together – spending time with loved ones, cooking and sharing food, and of course, the exchanging of gifts. But how does the expat community spend Christmas away from home? What’s the best present to send if you’re living offshore and how can you keep in touch during the busy holiday season?

HSBC Bank International has looked into how Christmas is celebrated in popular expat locations across the world and found some surprising similarities. To help celebrate Christmas the Bank is giving expats a chance to win £1000 in gift vouchers to keep the giving going in 2009. Readers can enter the prize draw by visiting Christmas Prize Draw and detailing their experiences of a Christmas abroad. No purchase is necessary and the lucky winner will be randomly chosen on 30 January 2009.

Christmas in Dubai

Christmas time for expats living in Dubai is similar to the experience shared in the UK– spending the day with family and a big lunch. Expats who do not have any family in the city meet their friends for a festive feast in one of the many five-star hotels. Hoteliers make an extra effort to put on special meals, decorations and even a Christmas tree, which is often shipped in from Europe. (More)